Things to know about driving in Russia and Russian drivers

Ready to drive in Russia? Find everything you need to know about roads, Russian drivers, the Russian traffic police, requirements, rules, interesting road trips and more in this guide.

The road system and traffic rules in Russia aren’t dramatically different from other European countries but driving in Russia can be a frustrating experience, with drivers having to contend with lengthy traffic jams, poor road maintenance and random police inspections.

Russia has a poor road safety record, though driving in Russia has improved in recent years, with a 14 percent drop in accidents between 2010 and 2015, and an 11 percent fall in road deaths. Moscow has a better road system than many other Russian cities, and since the city brought in paid parking and a greater number of speed cameras, traffic violations have dropped significantly.

Before you get behind the wheel to drive in Russia, find out about Russian road rules, requirements to legally drive in Russia, Russian traffic police and Russian drivers:

Who can drive in Russia?

If you’re staying in Russia for less than six months you can use your foreign licence, although you will need to get it translated into Russian. Whenever you drive in Russia, you must show an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your foreign licence, or another type of authenicated Russian translation. You can apply for an IDP your home country, which provides a translation of your licence into nine languages.

If you’re moving to Russia as an official resident, however, you’ll need to exchange your foreign licence for a Russian driving licence within 60 days after receiving Russian residency.

You also need to meet the minimum legal driving ages as set out by Russian road law – 18 for driving a car and 16 for driving a motorcycle. You won’t be able to start driving in Russia below this age, even if you have a foreign licence already.

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Who needs a Russian driving licence?

To apply for a Russian driving licence, your local State Road Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GIBDD) can provide information. In Moscow, for example, you’ll need to provide the Moscow Road Police your passport and Russian visa, a medical certificate obtained from your doctor, your foreign driving licence, and a photocopy of the licence signed by a notary.

If your foreign licence is valid, you’ll only need to take a Russian theory test, but if it has expired you’ll have to pass the practical driving exam, too. The process is cheaper than in many European countries, but it can be tricky as both the theoretical and practical tests are only conducted in Russian. Read Expatica’s guide for more information on getting a Russian driving licence.

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Requirements for driving in Russia

The State Inspection for the Safety of Road Traffic (GIBDD) is Russia’s traffic police division, although many people still call it by its old name – the GAI. When driving in Russia, random vehicle stops are commonly used to check that you’re carrying the appropriate documents and that they’re up to date.

Russia operates a zero-tolerance for drinking laws in Russia. Alcohol checks are most common on weekends and Monday mornings; if you fail a test, you’ll need to give a blood sample. There are also some areas in Moscow where saliva tests to trace narcotics are being trialled.

Russian road rules require you to carry the following when driving in Russia:

A warning triangle

Headlight beam deflectors

First-aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Spare light bulbs.

You should also carry your Russian driving licence or international driving permit, proof of auto insurance in Russia, passport and proof of vehicle ownership. If you fail to carry these items you could face a fine.

Road and car taxes in Russia

An annual vehicle tax is payable in Russia, but how much you’ll pay varies from region to region. All taxes are payable to the Federal Tax Service of Russia. In Moscow, for example, the price depends on the engine power of your car rather than its emissions. The fees are charged as follows:

100 horsepower automobile: RUB 700

120 horsepower automobile: RUB 2,400

200 horsepower automobile: RUB 12,000

300 horsepower automobile: RUB 45,000

Toll roads in Russia

Toll roads are relatively new in Russia and relatively rare. The Lipetsk Highway (M-4) from Moscow to Novorossiysk charges R10, and you’ll need to pay this fee in cash. Some other toll roads outside of the capital allow you to pay using a card but it’s advised to typically carry some cash when driving in Russia.

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Car insurance in Russia

Since 2003, every car owner in Russia must have an insurance policy covering third-party liability at the very minimum. However, the mandatory, basic auto insurance in Russia is very limited in coverage. Drivers can consider adding voluntary car insurance to top up their coverage to include the driver as well.

Vehicle inspections in Russia

Cars in Russia periodically have to undergo a technical inspection. One of the major requirements for driving in Russia is that vehicles between three and seven years old need be inspected every two years, while older cars must have a yearly inspection.

As this inspection is conducted in Russian, you may need a translator to understand the results. Once the car has successfully passed the tests, you’ll be given an inspection card, which you’ll need to carry in the car at all times. If you don’t have the inspection done on time, you could receive a large fine or have your car confiscated.

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Traffic rules in Russia

Some of the key traffic rules in Russia include the following:

You must drive on the right-hand side of the road.

The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts.

Using your mobile when driving is illegal (without a hands-free kit).

Picking up hitchhikers is illegal.

Turning right at a red light is only allowed if there is a filter system.

It is prohibited to turn left in large towns other than at crossings with lights.

Crossing a solid double white line is illegal.

It’s illegal to drive a dirty car.

Traffic coming from the right has priority at roundabouts.

Use of the horn is not allowed in towns unless there is immediate danger.

Children under the age of 12 can’t travel in the front seat of a car without a child seat.

General speed limits in Russia

Speed limits vary depending on the vehicle you’re driving in Russia and the area you’re driving in.

For motorcycles and cars under 3.5 tonnes, the limits are generally 60km/h in built-up areas and 110km/h on expressways and other roads. Larger vehicles and those with trailers, however, can only drive at up to 90km/h on expressways and 70km/h on other roads.

In some residential areas, a 20 km/h speed limit has been imposed for all vehicles, and this should be clearly signposted.

If you’re charged with a minor violation, you’ll be issued with a fine that you’ll need to pay through a bank, as the Russian police are no longer allowed to ask for cash. For more serious violations, vehicles can be temporarily confiscated, but can only be permanently taken away for you following a court decision. You can find a list (in Russian) of the various driving and parking fines here. If you pay your fine early, you can be granted a discount on your fine.

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Russian drivers

There is a relatively high rate of car accidents in Russia, which some put down to the poor driving conditions, narrow roads (more so out of the main cities) and fast Russian drivers. In some circles, Russian drivers have earned a reputation for bad driving, involving weaving in and out of traffic, fast speeds and disrespect for road rules, such as wearing seat belts. In the past bribes were sometimes accepted for passing the Russian driving test, meaning some Russian drivers may not be aware of the correct road rules. However, driving conditions have become stricter in recent years to improve road safety, as well as the skills of both foreign and local Russian drivers on the road.

Parking in Moscow and around Russia

While Moscow has major car parks, much of the on-street parking in Moscow is paid for using metres. When parking in Moscow, you’ll usually need to park on the right-hand side of the road, in the direction of the flow of traffic. In some urban areas and on one-way streets, you can also park on the left-hand side. The letter P and a wheelchair symbol are usually used to signify a disabled parking space. Around Russia, varying parking systems are used, depending on the size of the city or town.

You’re not allowed to park within 5m of an intersection or pedestrian crossing, on bends or within 50m of a level crossing. If you’re caught parking in Russia illegally, you’ll either be given an on-the-spot fine or you could have your wheels clamped.

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Importing a car to Russia

Unless you’re a foreign diplomat, it can be expensive and troublesome to import a car to Russia. In many cases, it’s difficult for your removals company to assist with the customs clearance, and you might need to pay steep import duties. Check Expatica’s listing for relocation companies in Moscow that can help with importing your car from abroad.

Car rental in Russia

Car rental from a local agency is sometimes cheaper, although it’s less likely that someone will speak English. For more language options or services you’re familiar with, you can consider renting a car through a European or international company.

To hire a car in Russia, you’ll usually need to be at least 21 years of age and have held your Russian driving licence or foreign driving licence for at least a year. People aged below 25 might also need to pay a young driver surcharge.

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Buying a car in Russia

It’s possible to buy a car in Russia, although the process is less straightforward process for foreigners. One of the requirements is that your car is registered to your visa, so each time you renew your Russian visa you’ll need to deregister and reregister your car ownership. Alternatively, you can register the car in the name of a Russian friend and have that person provide you with power of attorney to drive it.

When considering which car to buy, always use reputable car dealerships and remember that it might be difficult to export the car back to your home country should you leave Russia.

Registering you car in Russia needs to be done through the GIBDD, although it can also be a complicated process. It’s possible to enlist the help of a third-party company to aid you, although you will have to pay a fee for this service. Once you’ve handed in your completed application (and shown proof of ownership, insurance and the car’s inspection record card if applicable), you’ll need to pay a fee of RUB 2,000 to officially register the car in Russia.

Tips for driving in Russia

For foreigners planning to drive in Moscow, it’s important to know that the city has three main ring roads – the MKAD, Garden Ring and Third Ring – with a fourth ring in the planning stages. The city has problems with traffic jams, especially on the main roads in and out of the city. During rush hour things can be particularly bad, and the Garden Ring (Sadovoe Kol’tso) can suffer from traffic jams all day long.

Some road surfaces in Moscow are also sub-standard, so you’ll need to take extra care, although Moscow’s main roads tend to be better than elsewhere in Russia.

Road signs and names are in Russian, so may be confusing to foreign drivers. You can find examples of road signs in Russia here.

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